SEL-3530 Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC)

Powerful, reliable, and secure multifunction controller

The SEL-3530 RTAC is designed for utility substations and industrial control and automation systems, offering complete and flexible system control with integrated security, seamless configuration, unified logic, and reliability. It excels at converting data between multiple protocols, communicating with various devices, and features an embedded IEC 61131 logic engine.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Powerful: Equipped with a 32-bit microcontroller for relay-speed I/O, logic, and communications, and an IEC 61131 logic engine with an intuitive configuration environment.
• Reliable: Features an embedded operating system for stability, a ten-year worldwide warranty, and operates across a wide temperature range (-40° to +85°C / -40° to +185°F) suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It includes Error-Correcting Code (ECC) RAM for data integrity and operates quietly without fans. Optional conformal coating is available.
• Secure: Protects against malware with exe-GUARD® whitelist antivirus technology, allows unique login accounts and profiles for role-based requirements, supports Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) for central authentication, and includes intrusion detection, notification, and logging. It also features no backdoor passwords.
• Expandable: Offers 24 contact inputs and 8 contact outputs (via optional I/O board), protection-grade I/O (optional), and digital inputs rated for AC and DC with 1 ms time-stamping. It supports industry-standard 3U or 1U chassis height and expandable I/O options.
• Accurate: Utilizes Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and demodulated IRIG-B input for synchronizing the RTAC and connected intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) to absolute time. Input thresholds are set near one-half nominal voltage to prevent false assertions during faults and battery grounds.
• Flexible: Provides two independent rear Ethernet ports (RJ45 copper or LC fiber) capable of operating on separate subnets, three power supply options, and base configuration with numerous popular client, server, peer-to-peer, and fieldbus communication protocols.

Robust Automation Control

Network Security Device

The SEL-3530 or SEL-3530-4 RTAC serves as a secure access point for substations or plants, offering LDAP central authentication, role-based user authentication, access logs, and secure engineering access via Secure Shell (SSH). It maps security tags into SCADA reports for enhanced security integration and uses exe-GUARD® technology for protection against malware and cybersecurity threats.

SCADA RTU

Enables the design of integrated substation RTU systems, including protocol conversion, SCADA communications, synchrophasors, time synchronization, data management, and custom logic.

IEC 61850 Integration

Facilitates the integration of modern IEDs into control and automation schemes using IEC 61850 GOOSE and the manufacturing message specification (MMS) client and server.

Data Concentration

Allows communication with devices via built-in client and server protocols, exchanging data through DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-101/104, LG 8979, SES-92, SEL Fast Messaging, MIRRORED BITS®, and IEEE C37.118 for synchrophasors. It supports data conversion, mathematical and logical functions, and output logic execution for real-time control.

Event Collection

Automatically detects, filters, and collects event data from connected SEL relays, populating fault location, fault current, and other data into tags for easy retrieval via SCADA protocols. Events can be automatically collected and archived using ACSELERATOR TEAM® SEL-5045 Software.

Substation Controller

Provides deterministic processing for time-sensitive protection and automation control, allowing custom logic solutions to be built within the embedded IEC 61131 logic engine. Access to system tags ensures comprehensive control flexibility.

Rugged, Industrial Design

The RTAC features a design with no moving parts and meets or exceeds the IEEE 1613 specification for harsh environments, ensuring high availability. It is built to withstand vibration, electrostatic discharge (ESD), and extreme temperatures.

Product Details and Specifications

SEL-3530 and SEL-3530-4 Front Panel Features:

• LEDs: Simplify diagnostics by indicating transmitted and received activity on each port.
• Operating Temperature: Wide range of -40° to +85°C (-40° to +185°F).
• Enclosure: Rugged design withstands electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), shock, and vibration.
• Pushbutton and LEDs: Lamp test pushbutton and diagnostic LEDs.
• Programmable LEDs: Bicolor LEDs with configurable labels for custom annunciation.
• Ethernet Ports: Independent Ethernet ports available as RJ45 or LC fiber.
• Programmable I/O: Integrates local and remote control.
• Front Ports: Front Ethernet and USB ports for quick system setup and checkout.
• Terminals: Clearly numbered and lettered terminals for wiring and testing.

SEL-3530 Rear Panel Features:

• Ethernet Ports: Independent Ethernet ports (RJ45 or LC fiber).
• Serial Ports: EIA-232/485 software-selectable.
• IRIG-B: Demodulated IRIG-B input and output for high-accuracy time synchronization.
• Isolated Port: Isolated EIA-232/485 port.
• Input/Output: Programmable input and alarm contact.

SEL-3530-4 Rear Panel Features:

• Ethernet Ports: Independent Ethernet ports (RJ45 or LC fiber).
• Demodulated IRIG-B: Input and output for high-accuracy time synchronization.
• Serial Ports: EIA-232/485 software-selectable.
• Programmable I/O: Programmable input and alarm contact.
• Rugged Enclosure: Withstands EMI, RFI, shock, and vibration.
• Terminals: Clearly numbered and lettered terminals for wiring and testing.

General Specifications:

• Processor: 533 MHz
• RAM: 1,024 MB DDR2 ECC RAM
• Storage: 2 GB
• USB Ports: 1 host port (Type A), 1 device port (Type B)
• Ethernet Ports: 1 front RJ45 female; 2 rear RJ45 female or LC fiber (single-mode or multimode, 100 Mbps only)
• Serial Ports: 17 rear (standard), 16 additional rear (optional on 3U chassis); EIA-232/-485 (software-selectable), 300 to 115,200 bps; DB-9 female (Ports 1-16, 18-33), isolated Pin 8 (Port 17)
• IRIG-B Ports: 2 Rear; Input: modulated or demodulated IRIG-B (female BNC); Output: demodulated (female BNC)
• Onboard I/O: Contact input (programmable); Contact output (programmable); Expansion board: 8 contact outputs, 24 contact inputs (3U chassis only)
• Power Supply Options: Option 1: 125/250 Vdc, 120/240 Vac, 50/60 Hz (Range: 85-300 Vdc or 85-264 Vac); Option 2: 48/125 Vdc, 120 Vac, 50/60 Hz (Range: 38.4-137.5 Vdc or 88-132 Vac); Option 3: 24/48 Vdc (Range: 18-60 Vdc polarity-dependent)

Protocols Supported:

• Client: CDC Type II, Courier, CP 2179, DNP3 Serial, DNP3 LAN/WAN, EtherNet/IP-Explicit Message Client*, File Transfer Protocol (FTP)/Secure FTP (SFTP)*, Flex Parse, IEC 60870-5-101/104, IEC 60870-5-103, IEC 61850 MMS and MMS Client File Services*, IEEE C37.118 Synchrophasors, LG 8979, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, SEL Protocols, SES-92, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
• Server: CDC Type II, DNP3 Modbus, DNP3 Serial, DNP3 LAN/WAN, EtherNet/IP-Implicit Message Adapter*, FTP/SFTP, IEC 60870-5-101/104, IEC 61850 MMS and MMS Server File Services*, IEEE C37.118 Synchrophasors, LG 8979, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, SEL Protocols, SES-92, SNMP Agent
• Peer-to-Peer: IEC 61850 GOOSE*, Network Global Variable List (NGVL), SEL MIRRORED BITS Communications
• Field Bus Protocol: EtherCAT to SEL Axion I/O Modules

*Optional feature. EtherCAT® is a registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, Germany.

Applications

Power System Automation

Enable high-performance control and monitoring schemes. The RTAC bridges MIRRORED BITS® communications and IEC 61850 GOOSE networks. Protection applications include directional-element-based bus protection and replacement of tone-channel equipment for communications-assisted blocking, unblocking, permissive, and transfer trip schemes.

Integrated HMI

Build custom HMI displays quickly and easily without the need for mapping data tags. The web-based interface requires no special software for viewing HMI displays.

Integrate Power Management With Industrial Control

The RTAC acts as a gateway between the substation and the factory using EtherNet/IP, facilitating reliable communication between electronic devices in industrial automation systems. It enables exchange of critical data for real-time monitoring, process control, and power system integration.

Data Concentration and SCADA

Deploy the RTAC as a data concentrator using protocols such as IEC 61850 MMS client, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850 GOOSE, LG 8979, IEC 60870-5-101/104, and MIRRORED BITS® communications. Logging on any system or IED tag allows viewing and archiving of station-wide event records. Support for serial and Ethernet communications provides flexibility for integrating IEDs and enabling multiple SCADA connections.

Engineering Access

Securely gain remote access to the RTAC and connected devices via Ethernet to configure IEDs, monitor logs, and analyze diagnostics. Engineering access channels enable remote connections via serial or Ethernet communications.

RTAC Line of Automation Controllers Comparison

SEL RTACs provide powerful data management, precise control, and integrated cybersecurity for utility and industrial applications. They are backed by a ten-year worldwide warranty and technical support.

Other RTAC family products include the SEL-3555, SEL-3505/3505-3, and SEL-2240 Axion®. For more information, visit selinc.com/products/3530/RTAC-compare.

Product Overview Images and Descriptions

SEL-3555 RTAC

The SEL-3555 RTAC is a powerful, full-size RTAC solution with flexible options for demanding applications.

SEL-3560 RTAC

The SEL-3560 Compact Industrial RTAC offers the power and flexibility of the SEL-3555 in a smaller package, available in two form factors.

SEL-3530/3530-4 RTAC

The SEL-3530/3530-4 RTACs are ideal for substation data concentration, protocol conversion, and providing local or remote HMI for visualization and control.

SEL-3505/3505-3 RTAC

Suitable for utilities and industrial environments, the SEL-3505/3505-3 RTACs are lower-voltage versions of the SEL-3530. These compact RTACs are suited for small enclosures like recloser controls, capacitor bank controls, or inverter cabinets exposed to harsh environments.

SEL-2240 Axion With RTAC Module

The SEL-2240 Axion is a fully integrated, modular I/O and control solution for utility and industrial applications. It combines the communications, built-in security, and IEC 61131 logic engine of SEL RTACs with durable I/O modules for high-speed, deterministic control performance over an EtherCAT® network.